Page 105 of The Trouble with Anna

“OOH!” yelled Charlotte, and tackled her.

“OUCH!” yelped Anna, and tackled her right back.

“OH!” yowled the Dowager, and burst into such noisy tears that both young women, tumbling across the bed like puppies, sat up straight.

“Gran?” Charlotte said gently.

Anna’s face went blank. “I thought you wanted—”

“I do! I do!” the Dowager howled. “So badly! Darling girl, if only you knew. I prayed and prayed you’d both see sense. I’ve been soworriedfor him.”

“Forhim?!” cried Charlotte, dashing the hair off her face.

“Of coursefor him! Any fool can see Anna will be fine, but Julian—he was running out of time.”

“We are talking aboutJulian?” Charlotte frowned. “Lord of Arrogance? Earl of Everything?”

“Yes,Julian.” The Dowager gave a watery sniff. “Julian, who took up the title when he was just a boy. Julian, who had to carry the livelihoods of a thousand people on his young shoulders. Julian, who saved us all when we were so close to ruin. Your own brother Julian, who nearly killed himself working to ensure we never had to worry. If he’s arrogant, it’s because he’s carried all his burdens alone. Have somerespectfor once!”

The air rushed out of Anna, her happy bubbles burst.

She wanted to scrabble after every word the Dowager let slip, like an alley cat after table scraps. The thought of Julian’s hurts made her want to slash and yowl.

But he had never told her of them. He’d never spoken ofburdens, or ruin. Or anything at all, much, no matter how many times she pushed.

Anna gave the Dowager’s hand a squeeze. “He had you, my lady. A formidable ally. And surely he had a guardian?”

An odd look flashed across the Dowager’s face. “Yes, he had a guardian. Has he told you nothing about it?”

Anna kept her expression blank.

“He will. I’m sure of it. I never thought he’d trust anyone again.” The Dowager dashed away her tears and smiled at Anna. “But now he has you.”

He had her. But he didn’t trust her. Julian didn’t bring her his wounds to kiss, or his fears to roar at. He’d never slipped his happiness into her pocket and asked her to keep it safe.

He gave her his respect, and his body.

Nothing more.

Steady on. Steady!Anna thought, trying to calm herself the way she’d calm a skittish horse.Julian cares for you. You know he does!

“What’s wrong, Anna? You look ill,” said Charlotte.

“Bridal nerves.” The Dowager patted Anna’s hand. “Not to worry, dear. Heneedsyou. I’ve never seen a man so smitten.”

Anna tried to smile. “We’re certainly very cordial.”

The Dowager eyed her calmly. “Darling, he’s besotted.”

Charlotte nodded vigorously, her curls leaping up and down in agreement. “It’s enough to make Cupid vomit.”

Anna was pleased when she managed to smile and nod, but the Dowager only laughed. “I see. It’s agony in the beginning, isn’t it? And that foolish man hasn’t told you he loves you.” She took a moment to think. “I’m sure he just needs the smallest of nudges. Perhaps if we stage a small accident and—”

Charlotte spluttered out a laugh, half-appalled and half-impressed. “Good lord, Gran! I can’t endorse plotting againstyour grandchildren.” She shook her head. “Julian really has given you fits, hasn’t he?”

The Dowager sighed. “You have no idea!”

“Caused you countless nights of worry.”

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